Citigroup Tokenizes Trade Deal on Solana Network

• Citigroup tokenized a bill of exchange on Solana, completing issuance to settlement fully onchain.
• Citi used its CIDAP platform for the trade finance deal and plans crypto custody in 2026.
• Citi, with $2.6T in assets and operations in 160+ countries, tested real trade finance on Solana.

Citigroup has tokenized a trade finance instrument on the Solana blockchain, marking a new step in institutional blockchain adoption. The bank, which holds about $2.6 trillion in assets, completed issuance to settle a bill of exchange using onchain infrastructure.

Citigroup Executes Tokenized Bill of Exchange on Solana

The transaction involved the tokenization of a bill of exchange through Citi’s internal digital asset platform. The process covered issuance, transfer, and settlement on the Solana network. The bank confirmed that the transaction was completed using blockchain rails rather than a test simulation.

Citigroup operates in more than 160 countries and serves corporate and institutional clients. By moving a trade finance instrument onchain, the bank tested blockchain-based settlement in a live environment. The transaction formed part of its broader exploration of digital asset infrastructure.

Solana was selected as the underlying blockchain for the transaction. The network is known for high throughput and low transaction costs. The bank did not disclose the transaction size but confirmed full lifecycle processing onchain.

CIDAP Platform and Digital Asset Strategy

Citi executed the trade finance deal through its CIDAP tokenization platform. The platform supports digital issuance, asset servicing, and settlement functions. The platform forms part of Citi’s wider digital asset roadmap.

In addition to tokenization, the bank is planning to introduce crypto custody services in 2026. Custody services would allow institutional clients to store digital assets under regulated frameworks. This move aligns with other global banks expanding digital asset capabilities.

Citigroup has stated that digital asset integration aims to enhance efficiency in capital markets. Blockchain-based settlement can reduce processing times and improve transparency. The bank continues to assess use cases across trade finance and cross-border transactions.

Solana’s Role in Institutional Blockchain Adoption

Solana has positioned itself as a blockchain suited for financial applications. The network supports decentralized applications and asset transfers at scale. It has attracted projects in payments, tokenization, and decentralized finance.

The use of Solana by a global bank adds to a growing list of institutional blockchain trials. Financial firms are exploring tokenized deposits, bonds, and trade instruments. These initiatives aim to test blockchain as part of existing financial infrastructure.

Citigroup’s move reflects ongoing experimentation within global banking. Large institutions are evaluating blockchain networks for operational efficiency. The completion of a tokenized trade finance transaction on Solana adds a new example of blockchain use in regulated finance.